Bicyclette Boutique // Blog » typography

DAILY INSPIRATION . 11/10

paige (bicyclette boutique) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:46:48 +0000

On top of photo, styling and interior inspiration, I always have my eye out for graphic inspiration as well, whether it’s the simplest use of typography or a detailed layout. I really love using images and text together, allowing them to interact and tell a story, and I’m always drawn to hand-drawn elements or type. Case in point, the use of the sketched bicycle in the Bicyclette branding. When perusing Frassy, a style blog that is on my list of daily reads, I came across one post that really spoke to me, starting with the simple photos done in black-and-white with the 60s styling. What I really love though, is the way Audrey has incorporated personal quips and used simple fonts with a hand-drawn sensibility, allowing each layout to tell a story with a unique personality. Quirky at it’s finest.

[images via Frassy]

BREEYN MCCARNEY . DAILY INSPIRATION

paige (bicyclette boutique) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:20:13 +0000

Ffffound is always a favourite source of visual inspiration, sorting through random photos, illustration, graphics, etc., and never quite knowing what you may stumble upon. Countless hours of procrastination/inspiration. This morning I came across this lovely graphic design piece, which first drew me in because of the typography, but then upon further inspection, I realized it was the F/W ’10 lookbook for local Toronto designer Breeyn McCarney. Even better!

So then of course I had to wander over to her site and take a peek at the collection itself. Entitled ‘Hard Boiled Wonderland’, the collection is a gorgeous mix of whimsy with a rougher edge. I think I may be in love.

PREVIEW

paige (bicyclette boutique) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:25:02 +0000

I’ve spent the majority of this weekend working on the bicyclette brand book and the storyboards for an interactive Flash interface that has a paper-doll-meets-collage feel to it. Many hours on the computer, but I think I’ve finally grasped the look and feeling of what I want bicyclette‘s brand to be. Not saying that I’m close to being finished, but I;m happy to be able to move past the creative block I had.

Thought I would share some sneak peeks at what I’m working on. These aren’t full screen shots or fully finished, but they give you an idea of where I’m headed with it.

FLASH INTERFACE:

BRAND BOOK:

Note: The images used in these mock-ups are not all my own, nor am I taking credit for them

DESIGN CRUSH: PROMISE TANGEMAN

paige (bicyclette boutique) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:43:53 +0000

I’ve been working on the biyclette brand book for awhile, and recently have found myself lacking in inspiration. My daily blog roll is a constant source of new ideas and visuals, and it is through this that I came across Promise Tangeman, a graphic designer and photographer whose talent and vision is undeniable as evident through both her blog and website. I think one of the challenges I’m finding with the branding is coming up with a cohesive visual identity that can be applied in multiple situations, without being locked into something too corporate and repetitive. I want the essence of bicyclette to come through.

Promise’s style is evident in all of her work, and her use of colour, layering, textures and collage-like elements is impressive. I love the look and feel of it. She does a lot of work on weddings, and the personality really comes through there, as she is able to capture the essence of each individual couple, and create a brand for them.

Enjoy…

… And various branding concepts for Matilda Jane, a children’s clothing line. I love her use of colour, type and textures, and how she is able to create such a strong identity for the line. Inspirational, most definitely.

All images courtesy of Promise Tangeman

Promise’s Website

Promise’s Blog

interior inspiration: positive posters

paige (bicyclette boutique) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:35:06 +0000

I have a progress critique on my bicyclette brand book tomorrow at 8am (ugh), so I’m working away on that, but wanted to quickly share something that serves as both eye candy and words of encouragement. I feel like I need both right now.

Images: Decor8blog

I love the bold but friendly type, bright colours, retro style and make-you-smile messages. And the distressing on the letters is something I may have to play around with for bicyclette, as I like the vintage quality it adds.

These remind me of those motivational posters that teachers had in their class rooms, with kittens reminding you to “Hold on!” or whatnot. Except way cooler and for the design-minded.

Now, back to work! And yes, I will keep calm and rock on…

interior inspiration: words are pictures

paige (bicyclette boutique) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:51:22 +0000

After taking a much needed week’s vacation from blogging to enjoy a little time away from the computer and relaxation at the parents’ place, I’m back to my regular schedule. That’s right, near daily blogging, get excited!

As I was catching up on some of my favourite blog reads, I came across this Craig Ward wall installation typography piece:

Thinking it would be the perfect start to an interior inspiration post, I visited his site, Words are Pictures (a perfect title for his work) in order to learn more about him and his work. Turns out his pieces aren’t particularly interior focused, but more print oriented. But inspiration is inspiration, and I decided that the two tied into each other enough to make it viable. Plus, at this point, I was captivated.

A significant portion of my schooling, the mysterious Fashion Communication program, is geared towards graphic design and typography, and I’ve learned to appreciate good design and view it as both a technical skill and artistic form. Craig Ward is exceptional on both accounts. His use of typography as an art form is beautiful, and the pictures he creates with letterforms and words are thought-provoking. I would hang any one of these pieces on my wall, gladly. Enjoy!

All images: http://www.debutart.com/artist/craig-ward

I still have over a week until classes to start, which will be largely spent working on bicyclette related projects and working out the final kinks in my business plan. I think I’m at least on version 4 at this point. So much work, so time consuming. I have a cousin who’s in accounting who sat down with me on Saturday to go over my financials and work some Excel magic. His help was invaluable, and watching him whiz through charts and formulas and numbers was eye-opening. I have a new found appreciation for Excel, that’s for sure. Suddenly everything seemed to work together and make sense, which is such an amazing feel, as that’s been the thorn in my side throughout this entire process. And the good news is, according to our calculations, I’ll be making money within the first year. Definitely a good sign, and one that I hope will speak to potential investors as well!

Anyways, I’ll leave it at that for now, I’m in a cleaning and packing whirlwind as I prepare to head back to Guelph for bicyclette brainstorming sessions with the parents and then to Waterloo to spend time with the boy’s family.

While I was crunching numbers, any good boxing day/sale finds?